October 20, 2010

A couple of months ago I decided that I wanted to make myself a hat. My first attempt was an absolute disaster. I'll try and dig it up soon and post a pix for a few giggles, but for now it remains buried deep in a big box. Let just say that I thought that a small plastic bowl would make a great hat form. It didn't.

A couple of weeks ago I located several types of wire. Too soft, too hard, too heavy. Finally I found one that I could use. Money is close to non-existant in this house so I tried to use materials that I had on hand.

I wanted my hat to match a skirt that I had purchased from our local Salvation Army. It was a an orangey pink color and a bit iridescent in just the right light. It appears mostly orange in most photos. The fabric I wanted to use was a bit too brown in color so I mixed pink and tangeringe RIT dye until I hit on just the right blend.

I found a remnant of very bright turn of the century velvet and dyed it to match. So far so good. Later I used it for the brim.

I spread out my jewelry tools and started twisting and snipping, creating two seperate shapes, the top of the hat and a seperate brim. I had planned to sew the entire hat together but started to run out of time. I decided to break out the old trusty glue gun in order to cut a few corners and covered the bottom of the brim in cheap craft store felt.

Carefully I added 3 clip on hair combs to the bottom in order to keep the hat securely on my big head. Later they worked like a charm and did a wonderful job of keeping my hat. Even if my hat did wind up tilted and askew from the beginning of the evening. Hubby? Why did you let me walk around like that all night pray tell? I'm not complaining though. Not really. When it really comes down to it, my beloved husband is really my stylist.

A little antique lace and a favorite antique bauble, and it was complete. I was actually happy and pleased with the end result. It wan't all smooth sailing that's for sure. Whatever you do, don't look closely, lol. Somehow I cut the fabric that went around the hat too short and I had a big gap to deal with. My edges are all crazy and crooked. The hat turned out to be quite a bit more weighty than I would have liked.

But considering that I didn't follow an intructions or anything I am kind of proud of myself for once. I do believe that I will make a 3rd attempt. Only this time I will research a few things beforehand in order for future hats to evolve. I'm just glad that I didn't give up after my first hat fiasco!

October 18, 2010

Antique silver or silver plated baskets. Love them. I purchased my very first as a newlywed living in Hayward CA mamy moons ago for $2. Someone had spray painted it gold and I could just detect a pretty Eastlake design embellishing the border. I still have it today.

The second Victorian basket that comes to mind is one that got away. I spotted it at an estate sale with a price tag of $150. It seems like mere peanuts now. Not that I could afford it today either but $150 for a brides basket complete with it's beautiful, hand painted, ruffled bowl. At least it would have retained it's value. What really tortures me to this day is the fact that the handle was not just any old handle but a pair of hands clasped together. How did I let it go? I had been collecting way too much already, at the time. On top of that, my ex was not a collector. There was no way I could justify a $150 silver basket. Especially when I had just scored a spectacular 2 piece lace Gibson Girl era dress at the very same sale. It had been mispriced at $45 and lo and behold! They honored the price. Tis another item that I still have almost 20 years later.

This most recent addition to my collection was actually found at a local antique mall, The Mission Galleria in Rivrside CA. It was priced at a mere pittance and I couldn't take my eyes off of it even once I had it home.

It was so shiny. It had such beatiful detail and a twisted handle. And it was square! All of my others are round.

Most of my other baskets cost $2-5. Of course the more damaged they are the easier it is to discover them an affordable price. I often wonder why they priced so cheap. Maybe modern day eyes find them gaudy and old fashioned? Even when they are minus most of their silvering I think that they have such wonderful Victorian appeal.

I've used mine to diplay cookies, plants, flowers, fake greenery (as you see here)...the possibilities are endless. Image one as a centerpiece, overflowing with cute cupcakes. Oh wait. I just remembered. The little blue flowers on top was a 6 pack from the local nursery.

Honestly I have no idea if they are 'worth' anything. I just love the feeling they conjure up and the mood they set. Keep your eyes peeled and be on the lookout. They'e out there trust me. Don't neglect those piles of old silver at the flea market or yard sale. Even when you find a piece blacked with time, you can never be sure how it will clean up. Often you will find yourself very pleased a day later. Take time to focus on details. If you are happy with signs of age and time (the more the better) on your treasures, they will be easier to discover.

October 13, 2010

Here are just a few pix from last weeks Roaring 20s Festival @ Homestead Museum a few weeks ago. At the last second I decided to through a little outfit together with a period appropriate feel and wore a new pair of shoes for the first time. I'm 46 years old. I should have known better. It wasn't long before my feet were killing me and I had a hard time moving about. Needless to say but I'll say it anyway, I didn't take many photos that day.

Time out. Click on the video below for some time appropriate music to accompany this post. Thanks.

I really must stress the merits of this particular shindig if you happen to live anywhere near. For next time. The previous weekend was the Art Deco Weekend at the Queen Mary. I can only dream about attending this function, spending a magical night on the ship and dancing at the grand ball. Roaring 20s Weekend at Heritage Museum is FREE. Yes. FREE. No charge for parking or to enter.

You are welcome to pack a picnic or partake of the tri-tip sandwiches and potato salad from one of the regular vendors. My husband claims that this is a new ritual for him. The had the tri-tip combo at the previous event we attendend there, Victorian Days.

If you look off to the left of the picture above, you'll see a glimpse of my one and only authentic Whiting and Davis mesh purse, complete with metal tag. I purchased from a sweet little lady over 15 years ago and it packs a whole lotta sentimental value for me now. I will never part with it.

1920s era bathing suit.

Once upon a time I had an outfit very similar to this. For the life of me I can't recall whatever happened to it. Did I sell it. Geez I hope not. Maybe it will turn up again someday.

Back of lovely dress, 'repro'.

This burgundy or brick red dress was especially lovely. So was the model who struck the most divine of poses.

I found myself especially fond of the overall swing of this dress. Gorgeous from every angel!

The emcee took care to point out all of the tiny button detailing on this black number. I gave my mother a big nudge in the ribs at this mention and motioned to the similar details on the top that I was wearing. Forgot to take a snapshot of this but I promise to post one soon.

Supposedly the model loved this dress so much (wasn't it a perfect fit?) that she asked to buy it on the spot.

I do declare that this green dress was my favorite of the day.

Couldn't help but love the wonderful drape of the backside and the elaborate beadwork.